The Podcast & Community for Public Sector CIOs & CISOs.
Welcome to the The Public Sector Show by TechTables, featuring human-centric stories from C-level technology leaders. Hosted by Joe Toste, you'll gain valuable insights on current issues and challenges faced by top leaders.
Through interviews, speaking engagements, and live podcast tour events, we unite public sector CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and technology leaders in fostering collaboration and meaningful connections in the ever-evolving technology landscape.
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Featuring:
- Frank Sweeney, CIO, Arizona Department of Child Safety
- Beth Neeley, CIO, Arizona Department of Education
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How Frank Sweeney transformed DCS's Guardian system from 2 releases to 46 successful deployments in 10 months
- Why the Arizona Department of Education's $9M school finance payment system succeeded through strategic stakeholder collaboration
- How the Department of Education achieved unprecedented financial transparency and reduced technology debt by $500,000
- The power of authentic leadership and being present in driving organizational transformation
- Why strategic team placement and a culture of gratitude are critical success factors in public sector IT
Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome and Introductions
(01:41) Frank's transition strategy: People, process, and culture at DCS
(04:52) Beth's journey: Leading the Department of Education transformation
(09:06) Building a culture of gratitude and breaking down bureaucratic barriers
(14:07) Success story: Department of Education's $9M payment system overhaul
(18:54) DCS transformation: From Guardian system challenges to 46 deployments
(22:42) Leadership insights: EOS framework and strategic team placement
(25:37) Key leadership lessons: The power of being present and authentic
• Frank Sweeney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sweeney-iot/
• Beth Neeley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-neeley-687099222/
Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:
1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.
2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.
3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.
4. 🎙️ Virtual Podcasts: Vendor Partners ready to be featured on the TechTables Podcast?
Looking to increase your company's brand awareness and affinity to our super engaged audience (and not just an empty database of emails)?
We specialize in crafting engaging, impactful content that resonates with public sector audiences.
Email Joe if you're interested at joe@techtables.com
PARTNERS
Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner
SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers
Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.
Ken Williams, National Sr Manager, Partner Solutions Engineering at T-Mobile
Note: At the time of recording, Feroz Merchhiya was serving as CIO for the City of Glendale. He is currently the CIO for the City of Santa Monica, as of release date on November 1st, 2024.
Summary
Guests share their expertise on smart city initiatives and digital transformation in local government. This dynamic conversation explores how cities are leveraging emerging technologies, from 5G infrastructure to artificial intelligence, while fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance community services and resident experiences.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How cities like Scottsdale and Glendale are implementing smart city initiatives through strategic roadmaps and innovative technologies
The role of GIS and data analytics in improving public safety and city operations during major events
Approaches to implementing AI solutions safely and effectively in government settings
How public-private partnerships and inter-city collaboration drive innovation in municipal services
Strategies for balancing competition and cooperation between neighboring cities to improve resident services
#180: J.R. Sloan, Ryan Murray, Doug Lange [2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour]
Episode 180
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 31:17
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
J.R. Sloan, Chief Information Officer for the State of Arizona; Ryan Murray, Deputy Director of Homeland Security and Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Arizona; and Doug Lange, Vice President of IT Strategy at Choice Hotels, share their unique perspectives on transitioning between public and private sectors.
These seasoned leaders offer invaluable insights into enterprise-level thinking, cybersecurity strategy, and organizational transformation, while exploring how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping both government services and private industry.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to effectively align IT strategy across large, complex organizations with multiple stakeholders
Strategies for building trust and driving innovation in both public and private sectors
Approaches to evaluating and implementing emerging technologies like AI at enterprise scale
The evolution of CIO, CISO, and Strategy roles in modern organizations
Best practices for cross-functional collaboration and relationship building
() Managing 130 Agencies in Arizona's Federated Model
#179: Richard McHattie, Chris Chirgwin, Mike Hojnicki, Don Ingle - Transforming the Resident Experience: Insights from Top County CIOs
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 • Duration 47:31
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Richard McHattie, CIO of Maricopa County, Chris Chirgwin, CIO of Santa Barbara County, Mike Hojnicki, CTO of New Castle County, and Don Ingle, Industry Executive Advisor from SAP, share valuable insights into how these technology leaders are reshaping the future of county resident experiences. Discover how their groundbreaking strategies are setting new standards for innovation and transforming community services, promising a future where technology seamlessly enhances daily life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How counties like Maricopa, Santa Barbara, and New Castle County are revolutionizing resident experiences with digital modernization.
• The transformative power of AI in enhancing public sector services and support.
• The importance of collaboration in driving innovation and overcoming IT challenges.
• Why balancing people, processes, and technology is crucial for successful digital transformation.
• Strategies for building a high-performance IT culture in hybrid and remote environments.
#178: Joe Toste – Behind the Mic: Insights from My First 100 CIO & Tech Leader Interviews [TASSCC 2022 Special Re-Release]
Sunday, August 4, 2024 • Duration 41:01
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Join Joe Toste (hey that's me!), host of The Public Sector Show by TechTables, as he shares insights from his journey interviewing over 100 public sector CIOs, CISOs, and technology leaders. Known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of the public sector, Joe dives into the lessons learned from these leaders who are driving change and innovation.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• The power of mission-driven leadership in the public sector
• How to foster effective communication and collaboration within teams
• Innovative problem-solving strategies that can transform organizations
• Personal stories from Joe’s experiences that illustrate key leadership lessons
• Mission-Driven Leadership: The importance of having a clear purpose and how it inspires leaders to push through challenges and create meaningful impact.
• Communication & Collaboration: Discover how fostering an open and collaborative culture can lead to innovative solutions and stronger teams.
• Empowering Your Team: Trust and empower your team members to make decisions, encouraging ownership and accountability.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Learn the importance of asking “how” questions to unlock new possibilities and drive change.
#177: Ryan Murray, Ralph Johnson, Owen Zorge, Cátia Pereira - Building Resilient Cybersecurity: Strategies for Teams, Tech, Talent in the Public Sector
Building Statewide Cybersecurity Programs: How the State of Arizona has implemented its Cyber Readiness Program to support local governments with advanced cybersecurity tools, improving overall security posture and resource allocation.
Fostering Collaboration in Cybersecurity: Insights into how the State of Washington is overcoming mistrust between state and local entities through collaborative initiatives and grant programs to enhance cybersecurity measures across jurisdictions.
Effective Cybersecurity Partnerships: Real-world examples from the City of Chandler on the benefits of collaborative purchasing and support systems, and how working with state programs can lead to significant improvements in local cybersecurity defenses.
Public-Private Sector Partnerships: The role of companies like Kiteworks in facilitating secure communication and data sharing within public sector organizations, highlighting successful implementations and scalable solutions.
#176: Lester Godsey, Christian Taillon, Tina Carkhuff, and Gary Depreta - Weaving the Cybersecurity Tapestry: The Art of Public Private Collaboration
Lester serves as the Chief Information Security Officer for Maricopa County, the fourth largest county in the United States by population. With extensive experience in managing cybersecurity risks and implementing robust security protocols, Lester plays a crucial role in safeguarding the county’s digital infrastructure against various cyber threats.
Tina is an Industry Executive Advisor at Splunk and the former CIO for the City of Houston. With a deep passion for data analytics, Tina brings valuable insights from her work with Splunk’s platform in detecting and mitigating fraud. Her experience spans across various public sector roles, where she has consistently leveraged data to drive significant improvements in cybersecurity and operational efficiency.
Gary is the Senior Vice President of US Public Sector at Cisco. Having joined Cisco in 2005 and with a brief stint at Splunk, Gary has a unique perspective on the integration of advanced cybersecurity solutions. He is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by public sector entities, particularly in enhancing cybersecurity through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships.
#175: Ralph Johnson, Allen Ohanian, Martha Goodwin, and Dr. Muriel Reid – The Human Firewall: Cybersecurity's Next Frontier
Ralph Johnson, the State CISO, Washington State brings a wealth of experience to his role as having previously served as CISO for Los Angeles County and Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer for King County. His appointment was strongly endorsed by Bill Kehoe, who praised Johnson's skills, experience, and information security knowledge as assets that will enhance the state's enterprise security program and data protection efforts.
Allen Ohanian, the Information Security Officer for the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County brings 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT across both private and public sectors. His impressive career includes establishing innovative security programs, leading countywide cybersecurity initiatives, and earning multiple Information Security Officer of the Year awards, all while pursuing advanced degrees in cybersecurity, business administration, and psychology.
Martha Goodwin, Senior Sales Engineer Director for SLED at SentinelOne is a seasoned SE Leader with over two decades of experience spanning pre-sales, customer training, post-sales support, and professional services in cybersecurity. Her expertise covers SIEM, deception, network, email, and endpoint security, coupled with a talent for translating complex technical concepts for audiences ranging from IT analysts to CISOs, making her a valuable asset in building strong customer relationships.
Dr. Muriel Reid, CIO for the City of Jackson, Mississippi is an accomplished leader and educator with over 20 years of diverse experience spanning information technology, talent acquisition, education, and customer service. Her expertise in administration, coaching, and staff supervision is complemented by her strong communication skills, making her a versatile professional adept at bridging technology and business needs.
#174: Jack McCain & Tim Roemer - National Security from State to Local Governments
Thursday, May 16, 2024 • Duration 21:08
In this never-before-seen, closed-door only recording from the 2024 TechTables Phoenix Live Podcast, Navy veteran Jack McCain, CEO of Blue Sky Vantage, and former Director of Homeland Security and State CISO Tim Roemer & Chief Security Officer at GMI, reveal the alarming reality of how hostile nations are targeting our local communities with cyber attacks.
You'll learn practical steps your agency must take now to avoid devastating consequences when an attack inevitably strikes.
Don't miss this powerful episode on safeguarding your citizens from growing nation-state actors.
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Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.
SentinelOne: Transforming state security with AI-powered solutions. Protecting 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies.
#173: Doug Ducey, 23rd Governor of Arizona - "Cybersecurity is homeland security, cybersecurity is national security."
Friday, April 26, 2024 • Duration 29:23
"Cybersecurity is homeland security, cybersecurity is national security." ~ Governor Doug Ducey
I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey for an exclusive interview on The Public Sector Show by TechTables. Governor Ducey served as Arizona's 23rd governor from 2015 to 2023, during which time he transformed the state into a national leader in cybersecurity and technology modernization.
In this rare and candid conversation, Governor Ducey shares his firsthand experience prioritizing cybersecurity as Homeland Security. He discusses the innovative strategies his administration implemented to strengthen the "human firewall" and dramatically reduce the state's vulnerability to cyber threats.
But, in case you aren't watching the video, I wanted to pass along a couple of the main points.
Cybersecurity is Homeland Security
Under Governor Ducey's leadership, Arizona prioritized cybersecurity as a critical component of homeland security. The state invested resources to improve cyber resiliency, recognizing that protecting citizens' data is just as important as physical security.
Strengthening the "Human Firewall"
Governor Ducey recognized that 90% of cyber breaches were due to human error. To combat this, he focused on strengthening the "human firewall" by requiring monthly cybersecurity awareness training for state employees using realistic phishing simulations. This hands-on defensive training approach, similar to how sports teams practice, enabled Arizona to dramatically reduce the percentage of employees falling for phishing attempts from 14% to 4%.
Modernizing State Government through Technology Innovation
Arizona took a cloud-first approach, moving from outdated on-prem data centers to Google's secure cloud platform. The state also established a Cyber Command Center to monitor and defend against constant cyber threats in real-time. In his final year, Governor Ducey passed the Whole of State initiative, investing $10 million to provide cybersecurity tools to local governments, protecting them from rising cyberattacks.
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:
1. The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.
2. The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.
3. Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.
(24:23) Strategy Role Evolution and Leadership Changes
(26:04) Book Recommendations and Leadership Insights
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:
1. The TechTables Newsletter: Stay Informed with Top Leaders! Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.
2. The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.
3. Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.
Promote your company to a highly engaged audience in the public sector State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) market with over $10 billion+ in IT spending. Our newsletter boasts an impressive 80% email open rate and a 10% click-through rate, far exceeding industry averages of 30% and 1%.
SAP: Discover how the latest in generative AI capabilities in the SAP solutions portfolio can help you revolutionize your business model strategy. Learn more at https://www.sap.com/index.html
Promote your company to a highly engaged audience in the public sector State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) market with over $10 billion+ in IT spending. Our newsletter boasts an impressive 80% email open rate and a 10% click-through rate, far exceeding industry averages of 30% and 1%.
Addressing Workforce Challenges: Creative strategies from Arizona and Washington on how to tackle the cybersecurity talent gap, including eliminating degree requirements, providing on-the-job training, and engaging with educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies: Practical applications of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity for anomaly detection and autonomous vulnerability management, and the importance of balancing innovative tech adoption with fundamental security practices.
Leadership and Strategic Insights: Perspectives from top CISOs on managing cybersecurity in state and local governments, the importance of trust and collaboration, and strategies for continuous improvement in an evolving threat landscape.
Promote your company’s logo and case study to an audience with $10 billion in public sector State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) IT spend through our newsletter, which boasts an 80% email open rate and a 10% click-through rate (industry averages are 30% and 1%).
This means we have a super engaged audience (not just a database of emails).
Reach the SLED market’s top public sector technology C-Levels like SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP. Schedule a call to learn more!
Christian is a Threat Response Engineer at Grand Canyon Education. He is committed to protecting student and institutional data while training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Christian’s work involves utilizing advanced security technologies and fostering public-private partnerships to bolster cyber defenses within the educational sector.
In this episode you'll learn:
How Maricopa County combats misinformation and disinformation, particularly during election cycles, and the importance of incident response protocols in addressing physical and digital threats.
The role of data analytics in fraud detection, exemplified by Splunk’s success in helping states like New Jersey save billions in fraudulent unemployment claims.
The impact of Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk on enhancing cybersecurity through the integration of data analytics and threat intelligence.
The strategic importance of public-private partnerships in improving cybersecurity defenses, with real-world examples from Grand Canyon Education.
The challenges and solutions associated with using AI and machine learning in cybersecurity, including maintaining data privacy and automating threat response.
How trust in government can be restored and improved through effective public-private collaborations and innovative use of technology.
00:35 - Jack McCain's journey from Navy helicopter pilot to CEO of Blue Sky 01:20 - How Blue Sky connects allies with strategic US industries 01:50 - Tim Roemer’s background in cybersecurity and homeland security 05:52 - The motivations behind Jack and Tim's service 07:03 - Insights from Vicki Mayo on rescuing Afghan women during the U.S. withdrawal 08:30 - Jack and Tim discuss the biggest international threats to public safety 09:58 - The impact of nation-state actors on local cybersecurity defenses 12:14 - Proactive steps to mitigate cyber threats in local and state governments 16:06 - How Blue Sky and GMI are aiding governments with secure technology solutions 20:01 - The interplay between global threats and local cybersecurity measures 21:10 - Leadership principles from Jack McCain's expansive career 23:41 - Quick-fire questions: Final Four predictions, leadership book recommendations, and best local Mexican cuisine in Arizona
⭐️ Leave a Review
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!
You can also Tweet us on @thejoetoste and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏
In this exclusive interview, Governor Ducey shares his perspective on executive leadership strategies, such as the Arizona Management System for operating government like a lean business. He discusses the importance of metrics, strategic planning, selecting the right people, and driving cultural change when working to improve an organization.
Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Background
Governor Ducey also shares lessons from his entrepreneurial background, including scaling Cold Stone Creamery, which shaped his approach to expanding the ice cream franchise from one store to over 1,400. His experience in the private sector influenced his leadership style and strategies for driving innovation and efficiency in state government.
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Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.
SentinelOne's AI-powered security platform to break down silos and protect this state's entire enterprise with real-time data and control. With seamless updates and overhead reduction securing 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies, SentinelOne partners to protect critical assets across states and agencies.
(2:00) Introduction: Governor Doug Ducey's background and current role at Citizens for Free Enterprise (4:45) Prioritizing cybersecurity as homeland security and taking a proactive approach to protect Arizona (7:56) Strengthening the "human firewall" through monthly cybersecurity awareness training and phishing simulations (12:15) Measuring the success of cybersecurity initiatives and the importance of driving out fear to encourage open communication (14:08) Bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to the role of governor and implementing the Arizona Management System (18:26) Overcoming cultural challenges when launching new processes and driving change in state government (23:38) Building strong relationships with state agencies and collaborating to modernize government services (26:22) Transforming Arizona's Department of Child Services from the nation's most broken agency to a national model (28:03) Lasting legacy: Whole of State initiative and the Cyber Command Center (29:19) The potential of mobile device management to save taxpayer money and improve efficiency (30:21) Rapid-fire round: Favorite Cold Stone flavor, sports teams, and comparing legendary athletes
⭐️ Leave a Review
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!
You can also Tweet us on @thejoetoste and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏
